U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Jeddah to discuss peace negotiations with Russia, focusing on Ukraine’s readiness to make difficult concessions. Zelenskyy emphasizes peace while securing deterrence against future aggression. A proposed partial ceasefire is on the table, amid ongoing drone attacks by Ukraine.
Ukrainian and American officials are convening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday to discuss strategies aimed at concluding the ongoing war with Russia. These talks are pivotal in mending the relationship between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, especially following recent tensions during an Oval Office meeting. Rubio emphasized that a key outcome of the discussions should be Ukraine’s willingness to undertake difficult tasks for peace.
President Zelenskyy, while not attending the Jeddah talks, has expressed a commitment to peace, although he insists that any agreement must safeguard against future Russian threats. Ahead of the meeting, he discussed critical steps and conditions for peace with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and highlighted the importance of trust-building measures such as prisoner releases.
A Ukrainian delegation will remain in Saudi Arabia to collaborate with the U.S. team. Zelenskyy conveyed hopes for practical outcomes and affirmed that Ukraine’s stance would be constructive. The U.S. delegation, led by Rubio, includes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Former President Trump is advocating for Ukrainian concessions to achieve a peace settlement, pressuring Ukraine to endorse a controversial minerals-sharing deal. Rubio remarked that Russian concessions are also necessary, although specifics on what Moscow may concede have not been disclosed.
A source close to Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine intends to propose a monitored partial ceasefire focusing on long-range airstrikes and naval attacks. The timing of this ceasefire remains uncertain, but officials are optimistic that initial concessions could pave the way for further negotiations.
The day of talks was notably marked by Ukraine’s significant drone assault against Russia, where numerous drones were intercepted, and casualties were reported. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed prior attacks did not affect the negotiation process, stating that no formal negotiations have commenced yet.
These upcoming meetings are crucial for both Ukrainian and American officials to establish a path towards peace and repair bilateral relations. The insistence on Ukraine’s readiness to make challenging decisions underlines the complexities of negotiations amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. Key aspects of the talks, including a proposed partial ceasefire and disputes over mineral resource agreements, will shape the future of Ukraine’s security and international partnerships.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
